Galway County arts budget set to rise but venues face 'chicken and egg' funding trap

Funding for the arts could be set for a welcome boost after Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the local authority will look to increase its arts budget.

Published 3rd Aug 2026, 21:53 BST Iconic Funding for the arts could be set for a welcome boost after Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the local authority will look to increase its arts budget. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

But while welcoming the commitment, Ballinasloe Cllr Alan Harney (FG) warned that volunteer-run arts venues remain caught in what he described as a "chicken and the egg" funding trap, leaving many unable to access the support they need.

The comments came as councillors adopted the Galway County Arts Plan 2026-2030, which Mr Conneally said would be used to secure additional funding.

"We will use the plan to leverage additional funding from Creative Ireland, Government Departments and other programmes."

Spleodar agus fuinneamh ar staitse na Taibhdheirce le Saoirse Mr Conneally said the plan highlights the importance of the creative sector and "puts a structure on governance and strategic deliverables for the arts in the county".

He described it as "a plan with foresight" and promised to deliver on its actions "as quickly as possible".

Cllr Harney welcomed the ambition but said years of investment in arts buildings had not been matched by support for running them.

Speaking to the Connacht Tribune after the meeting, Cllr Harney said significant Government funding had gone into arts facilities in recent years.

However, he said volunteer groups are expected to programme events, manage venues and compete for Arts Council funding without the professional staffing needed to qualify for grants.

ATU President says accommodation crisis is a major challenge for Galway's third level students "It's like the chicken and the egg," he said.

"The big challenge is working with the Arts Council. Venues won't receive core funding unless they are professionally managed. How can you get a venue to be professionally managed without the core funding to get there?"

He said the current approach failed to recognise the challenges facing regional towns.

And he called for direct funding support from both the Government and local authorities to help volunteer-run venues become sustainable.

"They are wrong in their approach and need to recognise the challenge in regional areas," he said.

"In volunteer-run venues like Ballinasloe, we need appropriate supports and an equal playing field to ensure they are sustainable in the future."

Galway Airport sale proceeds to be shared equally between councils The Galway County Arts Plan 2026-2030 incorporated widespread public consultation.

It highlighted that last year, Galway artists submitted 274 applications to the Arts Council, resulting in 65 successful awards.

"This places Galway among the strongest-performing counties nationally outside Dublin," it said.

It identified a lack of affordable studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces as one of the biggest challenges facing artists.

At this month's County Council meeting, Cllr Shaun Cunniffe (Ind Ire) said Tuam needs a permanent venue where the arts community can engage, especially during evenings and weekends.

Meanwhile, Cllr Thomas Welby (Ind) warned that it is "one thing to talk about it, and another thing to fund it", while Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons (Ind) said funding "is always an issue".

US brothers honour Galway roots with outdoor classroom in Clonbur The report also warned of an over-reliance on volunteers in the sector.

As part of the plan, the Council will increase grants and bursaries for artists, create up to three new artist residencies, identify new arts spaces across the county, launch a county-wide arts festival calendar and expand arts programmes for young people and underrepresented communities.

The report also highlights that Galway County Council's investment in the arts has increased by more than 80% since 2020 and the local authority now supports more than 25 festivals.

Cllr Harney said investment in the arts was also vital to attract people to towns such as Ballinasloe.